Emperor Kangxi neither publicized nor deliberately concealed the fact that Juechan was sent to Chuxiu Palace. Therefore, most of the concubines in the palace who had connections knew about it.
Because of her offspring and the emperor's favor, Xiu Ning has always been among the top tier of concubines in the harem, so it's no surprise that she has access to information quickly.
It was almost as if the person had just arrived at Chuxiu Palace when Chunyu delivered the message.
"They didn't say why she was sent to Chuxiu Palace?" Xiuning felt that Juechan was most likely pregnant.
Despite having many women around him, Emperor Kangxi was very hypocritical in his treatment of women. For example, it was very difficult for those unranked palace maids in the Qianqing Palace to become official concubines.
Juechan's background wasn't good, and Emperor Kangxi had been specifically reminded by the Empress Dowager because of her. It was definitely impossible for Juechan to enter the harem through normal channels at this time, but she has entered smoothly. That can only mean that there are some problems here.
She is very likely pregnant. The Eighth Prince, Yinzhi, was born in the early 20th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, which is close to the expected time.
“They say she’s pregnant,” Chunyu’s next words confirmed Xiuning’s guess.
"A few months?"
Xiuning continued to press for answers, feeling that with Juechan's intelligence and abilities, he was sure to give her a big surprise.
Sure enough, Chunyu's reply that it had been more than four months, almost five months, made Xiuning lose her composure and burst out laughing.
The sound was contagious, and Chunyu laughed along. It was mainly because the pregnancy had been going on for quite a while, and she hadn't expected to be able to keep it a secret from the Qing Palace for so long.
“Doesn’t that mean the Emperor was being played like a fool by Juechan?” Xiu Ning raised an eyebrow and her eyes darted around. She thought to herself, “No wonder Yinzhi was disliked even before he was born. What father would like him? If Juechan knew what she was thinking, she probably would have had to serve Kangxi even while she was pregnant, as long as she didn’t find out.”
Tsk, thinking about this, Xiu Ning felt a toothache; it was truly unbelievable.
It wasn't just Xiuning who found it unbelievable; even the other concubines in the harem, whose names were recorded, couldn't understand it.
Tong Jia Rongyue had previously angered the Emperor by going to Cining Palace to complain, which led to Emperor Kangxi rarely visiting her and her son at Jingren Palace during this period.
Tong Jiarong belatedly realized that there were some flaws in what she had done, and now she was in a state of mental distress, not wanting to turn around and cause trouble for the Qing Palace to enter the harem again.
"You're pregnant, almost five months along?"
The news that was released was more and more shocking than the last. It was said that the emperor valued Juechanshi very much, but it seemed that she hadn't even been made a concubine. It was said that the emperor didn't value Juechanshi much, but she was pregnant for some time... I just can't figure it out.
Her brain's CPU was essentially burned out. Tong Jia Rongyue didn't immediately understand the connection, mainly because she overlooked the fact that Jue Chan Shi was incredibly audacious, actually daring to cause trouble right under Kangxi's nose.
Unaware of the full story, Tong Jiarongyue could only temporarily order her subordinates to observe and wait for further developments.
Meanwhile, others, such as Consort Jia, Consort Yi, and Consort Rong, watched the spectacle for the time being without taking any action.
Several more days passed, and once everyone was certain that the Emperor truly didn't care about Juechan, they began to mock him without restraint.
...
"Oh dear, I thought she was as beautiful as a fairy. She is indeed quite beautiful, but it's a pity that the Emperor doesn't like her. All of this is for nothing."
In the short time it took for Consort Jia to go out for a stroll, she caught up with Consort Hui and Lady Juechan.
Looking at Juechan's beautiful face, which remained flawless even during her pregnancy, Consort Jia felt displeased and directly made sarcastic remarks.
Juechan was trembling with fear because she was being targeted, and could only hide behind Consort Hui to ensure her safety.
Consort Hui was angry at Juechan's uselessness and annoyed by Consort Jia's disdain. She patiently retorted with a few harsh words before turning around and pulling Juechan away.
As Consort Jia watched the two leave, she snorted as well. They had really forgotten the rules; anyone dared to give her attitude in front of her.
"Your Majesty, it's time for us to return to the palace."
A maidservant came forward and took Jiafei's wrist, her eyes constantly scanning the surroundings.
"Go back. Coming out here has ruined my mood. It's really bad luck."
Her voice suddenly rose a notch, and Consort Jia's eyes sharpened as she left the Imperial Garden with her head held high and chest out.
After the man left, the Yi Consort sisters, who had been hiding in the corner, came out.
"Is Consort Jia really this brainless, or is she just pretending?"
Consort Yi was somewhat confused. Logically speaking, a direct descendant of the Niohuru clan should not follow this path.
“Whether it’s true or not, we’ll see in time,” Guo Luoluo replied. “Consort Jia has been in the palace for several years, and the imperial physicians haven’t said she’s unwell. Let’s just see when she gets pregnant.”
Consort Yi didn't believe it. "Really?"
Given the Emperor's attitude towards Consort Niohuru, it's unlikely that Consort Jia will be able to conceive.
Guo Luoluo nodded in agreement, "Since we have the Imperial Concubine, we'll have the Consort Jia sooner or later."
Even if the Emperor wanted to maintain a balance, it was better to let the sons of the Imperial Concubine and Consort Jia compete against each other than to involve the Crown Prince.
The crown prince is always concerned with the overall situation of the country, and is significantly different from ordinary princes.
"Why are you so sure, sister? It's as if you can guess the Emperor's thoughts."
Consort Yi smiled, but her words sounded somewhat sarcastic.
Guo Luoluo replied calmly, "His Majesty has never been a man who values love and affection."
Among the children of the imperial harem, the crown prince is of utmost importance, followed by the sons of the imperial concubines.
The son of Consort Jing was next, followed by the son of Consort Hui, and then the other children.
Even if one doesn't want to admit it, Yinqi, born to Consort Yi, was ranked last among the princes. He was neither as favored as Xiuning nor as the eldest son of Consort Hui, and he couldn't even compare to Yinzhen, who was raised by the Empress Dowager in Shou Kang Palace.
Thinking about it this way, Consort Yi felt even more upset.
Guo Luoluo agreed, speaking frankly, "Honest advice is hard to hear, but it's the truth."
Our Guoluo clan is no match for these Manchu nobles, but there's still a long time to go, and the future is uncertain.
Consort Yi nodded, "Sister is right, but the situation is not optimistic, so we should make adjustments as soon as possible."
We should strive for what we should strive for, and work hard when we should work hard. We can't give up just because we can't compete now.
Which concubine who entered the palace didn't have some ambition? When Consort Yi entered the palace, she wasn't just after a stable position in the imperial clan.
...
"It's almost winter, and it's very cold, but the hustle and bustle outside is still coming one after another."
"Sigh, I don't even know what to say."
Sitting by the fire in the tatami room, Xiuning sighed and chatted idly with Chunyu in a joking manner.
Winters in the Forbidden City are notoriously difficult to endure, and everyone prefers to stay indoors.
Just then, a new character appeared in the harem. He would come out and wander around every now and then, making the once quiet harem noisy again.
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